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AI & Machine Learning

MiniMax CEO Pledges No Salary Until Artificial General Intelligence Achieved

WireByte Staff · July 10, 2026

MiniMax, a Chinese AI company, has raised up to $2 billion in a discounted fundraise after an 80% share price crash. CEO Yan Junjie has pledged to forgo his salary until the company achieves artificial general intelligence, a goal he aims to achieve within four years. He will also distribute shares worth 5% of the company to reward staff and fund open-source projects.

Key points

  • MiniMax, a Chinese AI company, has raised up to $2 billion in a discounted fundraise after an 80% share price crash.
  • CEO Yan Junjie has pledged to forgo his salary until the company achieves artificial general intelligence (AGI).
  • The pledge aims to boost staff morale and retain talent in a competitive market.
  • Yan will also distribute shares worth 5% of the company to reward staff and fund open-source projects over four years.

MiniMax, a Chinese AI company, has made headlines with its ambitious pledge to achieve artificial general intelligence (AGI). In a move aimed at boosting staff morale and retaining talent, CEO Yan Junjie has pledged to forgo his salary until the company reaches this goal. The pledge, made in an internal memo, also includes a commitment to distribute shares worth 5% of the company to reward staff and fund open-source projects over the next four years.

The memo landed alongside a large, discounted fundraise, with the company seeking to raise up to $2 billion in a move that has steadied nerves after an 80% share price crash. The timing of the pledge is seen as a symbolic gesture, with analysts noting that a founder's wealth is typically tied to equity rather than a monthly wage.

The move has sparked interest in the tech industry, with many watching to see if MiniMax can achieve its ambitious goal. While some have questioned the feasibility of achieving AGI within four years, the company's commitment to innovation and talent retention is clear. As the AI landscape continues to evolve, MiniMax's pledge serves as a reminder of the importance of human talent in driving technological progress.

Sources

WireByte Staff — Editorial Team

The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.